Kate, Morgan and I have been so incredibly moved by all the wonderful messages. Like Elaine, I am not often lost for words but I find it hard to describe the emotions the responses to the “Farewell” posting have aroused. Thank you all so very much.

Morgan has written from Cambridge asking me to add to this page the following message:

“Thank you all so much for your contributions. I’ve been sat here this afternoon reading them, with tears streaming down my face. To me she was my mum, but to see what a profoundly positive impact she had on other people’s lives is incredible and I am very grateful to you all for sharing your thoughts and feelings about Elaine. You have no idea what a comfort it is to read them. This is an extremely tough time for me, so you’ll understand if I keep my thoughts brief. I was just so overwhelmed by your tributes that I felt compelled to write a few words of thanks. I will try and write in more detail about her and what she meant to me at some point soon. Thank you all so much.”

For those who can make it, the funeral service and celebration of Elaine’s life will be at Wainsgate Chapel, Old Town, Hebden Bridge on Friday, 12th October at 1pm followed by burial in the church graveyard and wake at Old Town Community Centre. All welcome. Family flowers only please. Donations to Winston’s Wish (for bereaved children) care of Valley Funeral Services, Hebden Bridge.

We have criticised the Health Service at times over the past three years, but that usually didn’t apply to the individual health workers who have been fantastic. For the past few weeks, we have had the most superb and extensive support. The district nurses, Macmillan nurse and GP have all been totally brilliant, often going way beyond what they had to do. Nurses would even phone up when they were off duty to ask after Elaine because they were so fond of her. Elaine always let them know her appreciation, and I would like record my very profound thanks too.

We have started a memorial page on the Hebden Bridge Web which Elaine co-founded.

With great sadness I have to tell you all that Elaine died at home this morning at 2.20am.

Her daughter Kate and I were with her, and she died very peacefully from liver failure.

She was in no pain but had stopped being able to communicate with us on Saturday.

As her friends learn of her death, we are receiving cards and emails. This is from one and is typical: “her writings, her ability, her infectious humour and her kindness – she leaves a legacy of wonderful memories.”

I will post funeral details as soon as we have them arranged. And we are thinking about a memorial page for friends to post comments

Thanks to everyone for all their support. I knew it was coming but I am missing her with such a passion.

We were together for 26 years and the closest of kindred spirits.